When it comes to exploring the world of early Christianity, few people are better guides than Matthew Larson. Originally from Texas and now a professor at the University of Copenhagen, Matthew has an impressive academic journey, with a PhD from Yale and teaching stints at Yale and Princeton under his belt. His specialty? The history and archaeology of the earliest Christians—a passion that he’s excited to share in Season 2 of “Nobody Liked Paul,” “Nobody Liked Paul: The First Christians of Rome.”
Why Matthew Wanted to Film “Nobody Liked Paul: The First Christians of Rome”
For Matthew, the decision to participate in this series wasn’t just about showcasing his expertise; it was about bringing history to life in vivid, colorful detail. “Most of my work as an archaeologist has been in Greece and Israel, but I’ve also spent a lot of time digging around ancient Corinth,” he shares. His travels and research experiences have deeply informed the content of both seasons. “In Season 1, we explored how the geography of Paul’s world can reshape our understanding of his letters. Season 2 builds on that, giving viewers a 3D, in-color imagination of what life was like for the first Christians in places like Pompeii and Ostia.”
How Season 2 Will Change the Way You Read Scripture
If you think you know Paul’s letters, Season 2 might just turn your understanding on its head. “This season dives deep into not only Paul’s thinking but also the history of the earliest Christians,” says Matthew. “We’re exploring complex social, racial, ethnic, and economic situations in Rome and what they mean for interpreting Paul’s letters today.” Viewers will also learn about Phoebe, a significant leader in the early church, and how her role could reshape how we think about the delivery and reception of Paul’s letters.
Archaeology and Theology: Bridging the Gap
One of the most intriguing aspects of Matthew’s work is how he connects archaeology with theology. He explains, “Christian theology is incarnational—it’s about divinity dwelling in the gritty, sometimes bloody material world. So, understanding the material context of Paul’s world helps us grasp the depth of his theology.” For Matthew, archaeology isn’t just about digging up artifacts; it’s about uncovering the layers of meaning that bring us closer to understanding the divine.
Personal Impact of Filming “Nobody Liked Paul: The First Christians of Rome”
Filming this season wasn’t just an academic exercise for Matthew; it was a personal journey. “Teaching Romans in Greek at Copenhagen, combined with the archaeological context, has fundamentally changed the way I think about Paul’s letters,” he notes. From exploring ancient courtrooms to walking through the ruins of the temple of Mars, these experiences offered fresh insights that made Paul’s writings come alive in new and unexpected ways.
The Places You’ll Go in Season 2
This season takes viewers to some of the most fascinating and historically rich sites, including Ostia, Pompeii, and Rome itself. “We’re diving into the world of Phoebe, a leader in the church near Corinth, and imagining what it was like for her to bring Paul’s letter to Rome. We’re also exploring the social dynamics of Rome, where Paul wrote to multiple churches, each with its own unique challenges.”
What Makes Season 2 of “Nobody Liked Paul” Different from Season 1?
While Season 1 felt like an epic road trip through the ancient world, Season 2 narrows its focus to Rome and the Bay of Naples area. “We’re in more urban spaces this time, and we’re not just looking at how people might have read Paul’s letters—we’re also exploring the broader history of early Christianity in Rome,” Matthew explains. “From the arrival of Christian beliefs to the construction of the Colosseum using spoils from the sack of Jerusalem, this season offers a new perspective on how early Christians lived and thought.”
Why People Should Be Excited About Season 2
For Matthew, the excitement of Season 2 lies in its ability to challenge viewers’ understanding of Paul and the early church. “You’re going to learn a lot about the history, the people, and the complex dynamics of early Christian communities in Rome. The visuals are stunning, and they’ll make you ask big, new questions about Paul’s letters and what they mean today.”
Sign up for QAVA and Watch the Series
If you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring the world of early Christianity through the lens of archaeology, you won’t want to miss “Nobody Liked Paul: The First Christians of Rome.” Watch the first episode and sign up for a free trial of QAVA. And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Season 1, where the journey begins. Dive in and see history come to life like never before!
